Wired Magazine Party and Mindball

I attended Wired Magazine's pre store launch party this past Thursday in SoHo. Products ranging from the Wii, to Rockport's shoes with electronic sensors that accomodate to your walking style, to Mindball, were displayed throughout the store.

Mindball (http://www.mindball.se/) was developed in Sweden by the Interactive Institute, and to my knowledge, was only available in the US in museums and science centers -- looks like things are changing. Mindball is a 2 player game that measures your brain activity via a headband, with the aim of moving a center ball across the table over to your oponenets side, and win the game. It was developed with the intent of allowing people to de-stress, relax, and calm down - however, the game can also be played with the intent of becoming overly stressed and bringing the ball over to your side, enabling you to win the game.

The first time I gave it a shot, I lost within 10 seconds as my brain activity was off the charts (literally - there is a tv monitor next to the table that shows you your brain activity, and your opponents as well). But the second time I played, I was much more relaxed coming in and I took deep breathes and thought happy thoughts -I won.

Either way, the night was enjoyable as I perused the latest Wired displayed technology, and had a chance to make my own mojito, as the event was sponsored by Patron. I met some great people, and I look forward to returning back to the store and takinga second look around.